This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Devoting nearly five decades to Salt Lake City's public utilities - almost three as director - LeRoy W. Hooton Jr. knows every inch of the building that has become his professional home.
Now, his name is on the front door.
In a heartfelt ceremony Thursday, three former mayors for Utah's capital joined Mayor Rocky Anderson in renaming the city's public-utilities headquarters at 1530 S. West Temple the "LeRoy W. Hooton Jr. Public Utilities Building."
The gesture was a tribute to the man who has served the city for 49 years and survived eight mayors and 27 commissions and city councils.
Crammed into the modest lobby, dignitaries and family took turns painting the same picture of Hooton: an exceedingly humble man, whose steady stewardship has proved key in preserving the city's watershed and keeping rates low.
"LeRoy has tenaciously and effectively enhanced Salt Lake City's precious water resources," said Anderson, who listed Hooton's mountain of awards and praised him for his dedication and humility.
Case in point - Anderson noted the city wanted to erect a large sign bearing Hooton's name out front before the director objected.
"I am deeply moved," said Hooton, who was joined by his wife of 51 years and surrounded by two generations of family. "It's a wonderful recognition, and I sincerely appreciate it."
Former Mayors Ted Wilson, Palmer DePaulis and Deedee Corradini, along with members of the City Council and staffers, showed up to honor Hooton.
In return, Hooton said he never could have had success without the support of the group.
"LeRoy has given us the greatest value for our water system," DePaulis said. "He is very humble, very modest. The calm in the middle of the storm."
Now, no longer how much it shakes him up, Hooton must work under his moniker.